There’s no doubt that toddlers can be incredibly strong willed. In fact, it’s common for them to refuse to budge from a playground or other fun activities.While your temptation may be to threaten abandonment, that’s a form of discipline that’s a real ‘no-no’ says Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Toddler Books. “I think we’ve all seen other parents or remember our own parents saying ‘if you don’t stop screaming right now I’m going to leave you in the grocery store.’ Your child either is panic struck that he’s about to get left behind in the grocery store and how can he trust you if you’re going to leave him for one little meltdown, or they think you’re just pulling their leg and you’ve lost all your negotiating power and credibility. ” Ann adds spanking should also be avoided. “I prefer not to spank because I just don’t know if I’m going to be able to control that. If I’m spanking a child and I’m very angry I may be tempted to use too much force or give too many spankings, so I prefer not to go there.”

The Parent Report’s guest expert is Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Toddler Books. Adapted from The Parent Report Radio Show. Any advice or information contained herein should never be a substitute for professional and/or medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. For more information please review Terms of Service.